Vanderbilt casino still in the works? Bay Mills mum on plans

October 19, 2010|By Michael Jones, HT Staff Writer

VANDERBILT — Mum’s the word for now, but an economic shot in the arm could soon be in the cards for Vanderbilt if the Bay Mills Indian Community opens a casino on property it recently purchased on the north side of the village. Tribal spokesperson Allen Cameron, who has been overseeing renovation work at the old Treetops Resort information center, located on Old 27 North near the southbound I-75 Vanderbilt exit ramp, declined to comment on whether the Bay Mills Tribe, based out of Brimley, would be bringing a casino to the village.

New Treetops general manager Barry Owens confirmed Bay Mills had recently purchased property from the resort, including the information center, but did not know what plans they had for the land.

According to the Otsego County Register of Deeds, the Bay Mills Indian Community purchased 45.6 acres located at 8733 Old 27 North Aug. 27. Although the purchase price of the land was not disclosed, a property search report obtained through the Otsego County Equalization Web site indicated in 2010 the parcel had a state equalized value (SEV) of $96,400.

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Vicki Newland, Bay Mills Gaming Commission administrator, did not return phone calls Tuesday from the Herald Times and Village of Vanderbilt manager Elizabeth Haus said while she has personally been in contact with Bay Mills, she could not comment on the nature of those conversations.

According to Haus, since 1998 the village had been approached on several different occasions by representatives of Bay Mills about the possibility of building a casino in Vanderbilt, but nothing ever came of those discussions.

Chris Young, who has owned the Ugly Bar & Grill, located about a half mile south of where renovations are under way, said he has heard the rumors swirling around Vanderbilt about the possibility of a casino and said he and his staff are “very happy,” about the news.

“We think it’s great. In lieu of what’s been happening in the economy and the recent state smoking ban, my business has been hurting.

“This is just what the town needs. People here are hurting for jobs. I can’t help but think something like this will bring more business to my bar and more people to town and the other businesses here. I for one hope it happens.”